Audi Sport Quattro Concept Pays Tribute to 1980s Rally Legend [69 Photos]

What do we have here; is the Sports Quattro a concept meant to prepare us for a production car or a pure flight of fantasy to get the crowd coming in to Audi's Frankfurt Motor Show stand?
Tough question, especially since Audi pulled the same stunt with the almost identical in philosophy and design, but mechanically different, Quattro Concept in 2010. It was supposed to be built but never was – and you know the saying, "once bitten, twice shy"…
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Audi Mulling a Production Version of Nanuk Quattro Concept! [w/Video]

We will agree that the styling of the Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept might not be to everyone's taste, but the idea of a high-riding, mid-engine sports car that can be used all-year round by those who live in snow-belt regions or simply in places with poor road conditions, does sound compelling, doesn't it? Read more »

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IAA: Lamborghini Gallardo Continues Life with LP 570-4 Squadra Corse Edition

The rumored debut of a concept previewing the Gallardo's replacement turned out to be just that; a rumor. Instead, what Lamborghini had to offer to Gallardo fans was another limited edition version, this one named the LP 570-4 Squadra Corse. And before you build your hopes up on getting one, let us tell you that it will cost €191,100 (equal to about 254,000 McDonald cheeseburgers in the U.S.), and that's before taxes. Read more »

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Volvo Coupe Concept is a Strong Contender for the Best Looking Car of the Frankfurt Motor Show

We haven't hidden the fact that we like Volvo's design direction with the new Coupe Concept that's on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and these live pictures from the brand's stand only strengthen our belief that company execs should give it a green light for production - wouldn't you agree? (If you don't just tell us in the comments). Read more »

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New Sportsvan is Volkswagen's Longer, Taller and Slightly More Practical Golf

If you were to magically drop into a European VW dealership and check out the brand's compact offerings, you'd find the following options: Golf hatch in 3 and 5-door trims; Golf Plus, Jetta sedan, Golf Variant (estate), Golf Cabriolet, Eos Coupe-Cabriolet, Scirocco coupe, Tiguan SUV, Touran MPV and the Beetle range.
We suppose with a little bit of effort and imagination, you could justify the existence of most aforementioned models, but you'd still be wondering what's with the Golf Plus, which is neither a hatch or a minivan yet tries to be both.
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Opel Releases Second Teaser Image of the Monza Concept, Reminds Us of Past Frankfurt Studies

The Frankfurt Motor Show (September 12-22) is quickly approaching and automakers are starting to uncover their premieres to be displayed at Europe’s largest car show.

Opel has confirmed the Monza Concept for Frankfurt, a coupe whose face we’re already familiar with. Now, the German carmaker released a second teaser image of the car showing the front end once again, although this time it has been more generous with the lighting.

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2014 Bentley Flying Spur Bows Ahead of the Geneva Motor Show [Photos & Videos]

The 2014 Bentley Flying Spur was one of two new cars we had the opportunity to show you earlier today before their official unveiling, the other one being the Audi RS Q3.

You probably noticed that we have not used the Continental moniker. That's because Bentley doesn't either, even though the car is essentially a redesign of the outgoing Continental Flying Spur and continues to be a sibling of the Continental GT coupe and Continental GTC convertible models, which have already been updated.

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2014 Chevrolet SS Officially Unveiled, Gets 415HP 6.2-liter LS3 V8 [w/ Video]

It may not have the firepower to worry the latest crop of German über-sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG or the BMW M5 but, nevertheless, the 2014 Chevrolet SS that was unveiled today at the Daytona International Speedway, where its racing version also debuted at the Daytona 500 NASCAR event, is a welcome addition to the Bow Tie’s range.

That’s because the new SS, which is the American version of the new Holden SS V and is built around GM’s global platform that also underpins the Camaro and Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, marks Chevrolet’s return to rear-wheel drive performance sedans after a long absence.

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2014 Chevrolet SS Officially Unveiled, Gets 415HP 6.2-liter LS3 V8

It may not have the firepower to worry the latest crop of German über-sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG or the BMW M5 but, nevertheless, the 2014 Chevrolet SS that was unveiled today at the Daytona International Speedway, where its racing version also debuted at the Daytona 500 NASCAR event, is a welcome addition to the Bow Tie’s range.

That’s because the new SS, which is the American version of the new Holden SS V and is built around GM’s global platform that also underpins the Camaro and Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, marks Chevrolet’s return to rear-wheel drive performance sedans after a long absence.

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Holden Unwraps New Commodore SS V, Previews 2014 Chevrolet SS [w/Video]

It looks like Holden is trying to grab as much attention as it can with the new generation Commodore VF by spreading out the presentations for each different model of the range.

After the unveiling of the regular Commodore this past weekend, GM's Australian subsidiary announced the performance SS V , which is the closest thing we've seen to the 2014 Chevrolet SS Sports Sedan, which is scheduled to debut this Saturday, February 16 at the Daytona International Speedway.

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Redesigned Toyota 2014 Tundra Pickup Truck wants to be a Ford F-150 when it Grows Up

The most "American" model in Toyota's lineup is without question, the Tundra full-size pickup truck; and how could it not be since it was designed and built here in America specifically for domestic buyers.

Nevertheless, for all its Americanness, the Tundra hasn't really been able to compete against the country's best-selling pickup for 36 years and best-selling vehicle for 31 years, the Ford F-Series, which sold 645,316 units last year, a 10 percent increase over 2011. By comparison, Toyota sold 101,621 examples of the Tundra in 2012, up 22.6 percent from 2011 when it delivered 82,908 units.

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New BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo: 130 Photos and Videos

Chris Bangle has long resigned from his role as chief designer of BMW, but the Munich-based brand with the blue-and-white propeller badge continues to cause controversy with the styling of its models.

We'd hardly call the 5 Series Gran Turismo (GT) a commercial success, yet BMW still has faith in the 'tall liftback' recipe, so it applied the same treatment on the smaller 3-Series range as it races to cover every single niche possible in the premium segments.

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Tour the 2013 Detroit Auto Show through a Super Gallery of 400+ Photos

The 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit won't open for the public until Saturday, January 19, (January 16-17 is the industry preview, and January 18, the charity preview) but if you’ve been following our coverage of event, you should know most things you need to know.

While no one was surprised by Detroit’s big three choosing their hometown to launch their new production and concept cars, this year’s show also had major world premieres from Asian and European automakers, too.

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New BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept in the Flesh from the Detroit Auto Show

Beginning from next year, BMW fans will have to get used to calling the new coupe version of the 3-Series the 4-Series, with the Bavarian carmaker previewing the production model through a very thinly disguised concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The concept features a slightly longer wheelbase, wider stance and considerably lower roofline than the current 3-Series Coupe.

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Mercedes-Benz CLA Officially Launched, Priced From €28,977 in Germany, [62 Photos & Video]

Here’s what we already know about the new Mercedes-Benz CLA: it’s a four-door sports sedan based on the A-Class’ MFA front-wheel drive platform, with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system being available as an option.

It sits between the A- and C-Class in the automaker’s line-up but is slightly longer than the latter. It has a production car aerodynamic record with a Cd of just 0.23 and it will launch with a 207HP turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger in the U.S. and a wider range of gasoline and diesel engines in Europe and other markets.

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Jeep Upgrades 2014 Compass and Patriot Models with 6-Speed Auto

Making their world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit alongside the refreshed 2014 Grand Cherokee are two more Jeep models, the 2014 Compass and Patriot.

Both Jeeps gain a new six-speed automatic transmission that will be available either as standard on certain Latitude and Limited models or optional on the Sport.

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2013 Buick Enclave Heads to New York Auto Show with a Fresh Face and Updated Interior

Even though 2011 proved to be the best sales year ever for the Buick Enclave crossover since its introduction in May of 2007 with more than 58,000 deliveries, GM wants to keep the momentum going with the presentation of a facelifted model at the New York Auto Show.

Scheduled to reach U.S. showrooms this fall, the 2013 Enclave benefits from several updates including restyled exterior and interior, a refined suspension and the addition of new technologies.

The exterior makeover consists of a new fascia with restyled headlamps, bumper and hood, a more prominent black chrome waterfall grille and LED daytime running lights. At back, we find new LED tail lamps with chrome accents and a redesigned bumper with integrated exhaust tips.

Full article: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/2013-buick-enclave-heads-to-new-york.html

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2013 Lincoln MKZ World Premiere: 2012 NY Auto Show

Days ahead of the New York Auto Show, Lincoln has drawn back the covers on its mid-size MKZ sedan. The first ground-up car under the design direction of former Cadillac stylist Max Wolff, the car stays true to its concept form and continues the brand’s whale-theme. Out back, the car gets some retro wrap-around taillights.

Of note, one surprising carryover from the concept car is the full glass roof, which is retractable.

The 2013 MKZ will get a choice of three powertrains, with a new 2.0-liter hybrid, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost motor with 240 h and 33 mpg highway, plus a top-rated 3.7-liter V6.

Inside the car certainly looks luxurious, especially with the brand’s MyLincoln Touch (including a 10.1 inch LCD screen) and an electronic gear selector on the center console.

To help deliver a more dynamic package, Lincon also offers what it calls Lincoln Drive Control, allowing the driver to select Comfort, Normal or Sport modes, with different shock settings for each.

PHOTO GALLERY 2013 LINCOLN MKZ

PHOTO GALLERY 2013 LINCOLN MKZ OFFICIAL

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BMW 5 Series 530 ActiveHybrid

What is it?
BMW may have elected not to produce its first two petrol electric hybrid models, the Active Hybrid 7 and X6 Active Hybrid, in right-hand-drive form, but the firm has finally given British car buyers a reason to look beyond its traditional petrol and diesel-powered models with the new Active Hybrid 5, placing its steering wheel on the correct side.

When it arrives here later this month, the petrol electric Active Hybrid 5 will be priced £7920 above the highly rated 535i at £46,860 – a hefty premium, if would seem, given its moderate increase in performance, even if it is offset by improved levels of fuel economy.

The higher price also gets you greater standard equipment says BMW. Still, it remains to be seen whether the new petrol-electric hybrid, which will eventually count the upcoming Audi A6 Hybrid and Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid among its rivals, retains its value as well as its petrol engine sibling.

At the heart of the new car is BMW’s familiar turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine, producing 302bhp and 295lb ft. It is supported by a brushless electric motor mounted in forward section of the new car’s standard eight-speed automatic gearbox and endowed with a nominal 54bhp and 155lb ft. Together, the combustion engine and electric motor provide a combined 335bhp and 332lb ft – some 33bhp and 37lb ft more than the 535i.

Energy for the electric motor is supplied by a 1.35kWh lithium ion battery produced in-house at BMW from cells purchased from US supplier A123. The 1.35kWh pack is mounted within the floor of the boot, robbing some 165 litres of nominal luggage capacity.

What’s it like?
Being a full hybrid, the Active Hybrid 5 is capable of travelling for almost 2.5 miles at speeds up to 37mph on electric power alone – albeit only on relatively flat roads and with light throttle loads only. At the slightest hint of an incline or a sharp movement of your right foot, the petrol engine kicks in to boost performance.

The whole process is achieved with reassuring smoothness and efficiency, and can even be linked to the topography feature of the Active Hybrid 5’s optional navigation system to see it provide even greater benefits, such as at the end of programmed journeys where, if the conditions permit, it automatically switches into electric mode for the final mile or so providing there is sufficient battery charge.

But while highly proficient around town, it is out on the open road where the Active Hybrid 5 really shines. Solid straight line stability, urgent in gear qualities, low levels of wind noise and excellent driveline refinement make it a consummate cruiser on the motorway.

Despite the added weight, the increased reserves ensure performance remains strong and the handling is also terrifically entertaining – something that in our experience is not always a given with hybrids. We’ve driven quite a few petrol-electric powered cars in recent years, but I can’t recall one that feels quite as well sorted and nearly as agile as this new BMW.

There’s an inherent balance and fluidity to the chassis that makes the Active Hybrid 5 a real joy to push over challenging roads. The ride is typically firm but there’s plenty of spring travel and tyre roar is exceptionally well suppressed even on extremely course surfaces – providing the Active Hybrid 5 with tremendous long-distance qualities.

Should I buy one?
The Active Hybrid 5 offers improved economy over the 535i. With a combined average of 44.1mpg, it improves on its petrol engine sibling by over 10mpg, extending its range to a theoretical 650 miles. Whether it’s enough to warrant the £7920 premium is largely dependent on your priorities, and that’s before you even consider the 535d, which returns as much as 52.3mpg.

As a sheer technology statement, though, the Active Hybrid 5 is very impressive. And that, for some, is all that will matter.

Greg Kable
BMW Active Hybrid 5
Price: £46,860; Top speed: 155mph (limited); 0-62mph: 6.4sec; Economy: 44.1mpg (combined); CO2 emissions: 149g/km; Kerb weight: 1850kg; Engine: 6 cyls in line, 2979cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor; Installation: front, longitudinal, RWD; Power: 335bhp (combined); Torque: 332lb ft (combined); Gearbox: 8-spd automatic.

PHOTO GALLERY

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Ford Mustang GT review

What is it?

This is the 2011-model of the Ford Mustang. This model-year sees a serious upgrade in power thanks to a comprehensively upgraded and re-designed all-aluminium V8 motor. As well as being lighter, the engine now also gets what Ford calls twin independent variable camshaft timing and a stainless steel tubular manifold. The upshot is a leap in output from 2010’s 315bhp to today’s 412bhp.

Also new for 2011 is the electrically-assisted power steering with three settings (comfort, standard and sport). The steering set-up also features something called ‘active nibble control’ which is designed to compensate for out-of-balance tyres and compensates for the road camber, keeping the car running in a straight line without the need for driver corrections.

The damper and spring rates have been revised (for both handling and NVH reasons) and the anti-roll bushes stiffened. The lower rear control arm has also been re-designed. There’s more high-strength steel in the body (which also means the cabrio Mustang is 12 per cent stiffer) and more sound proofing, including near door seals and rear arch liner, to kill road noise.

What’s it like?

Remarkably good. One of the most stand-out features - for the European driver, at least - is that fact that the Mustang still has a beam axle. When we’re talking about that axle having to deal with a meaty V8, it’s easy to dismiss the Mustang as a new-world crudity.

In fact, this Ford Mustang handles and rides like something of a thoroughbred. On the winding and dipping country roads above Los Angeles, the Mustang was impressively accurate and controlled.

It’s a very stable and level-riding car, with an impressive ride but the big surprise was the steering, which is very accurate indeed and makes the car very easy to place on the road, so reeling off a series of switchbacks is an undemanding, though satisfying, task. Adding to the ease of rapid progress is the excellent, closely-spaced, six-speed manual box.

The body control, steering accuracy and unflappable poise in bends provide an intriguing contrast to the sheer exuberance of the V8 engine in full-flow. This is a very quick car, but also one that delivers a classic, no-substitute-for-cubic-inches, sense of thrust. Although refined at part-throttle, the engine’s max-attack noise is now channelled directly to the cabin from the engine’s intake, and the driver gets an in-cabin soundtrack that you’d swear was sampled straight from Bullitt.

What really lifted this particular car as a driver’s device was the optional Brembo brake package (which comes as part of the Premium Package, including leather trim and a rear-view camera). These brakes were first-rate, picking up as soon as the driver touched the pedal and proving to be superbly controllable, making it easy to take the braking force right up to the point they were likely to lock. This might not strike you as immediately useful, but the sense of finely-tuned control offered by the Brembo brakes were a large part of making the Mustang such an impressive cross-country machine.

The only downsides were the crazy mix of instrument graphics (old-school, dowdy and blue dot-matrix) and the uninspired cockpit styling, It felt well-made, though.

Should I Buy One?

Even at £25k in the UK, this car would be worthy of serious consideration. But the chance of Ford ever producing a right-hand drive Mustang is very small. Understandably, the company probably thinks that European enthusiasts will not be able to look beyond the received wisdom about American performance cars: all grunt and not much finesse. Nothing could be further from the truth, however.

The 2011 Mustang combines the raw edge (and aggressive performance) of an old-fashioned muscle car with a surprising degree of refinement and poise. It delivers the satisfying feel of a classic with the refinements and control of a modern machine.

Hilton Holloway
Ford Mustang GT (2011)

Price: From £19,695, price as tested: £25,850; Top speed: 155mph (limit); 0-60mph: 4.9sec; Economy: 33.6mpg (highway); CO2: n/a; Kerb weight: 1655kg; Engine: 8 cyls, 4951cc, petrol; Power: 412bhp at 6500rpm; Torque: 390lb ft at 4250rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd manual.

PHOTO GALLERY

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